How to Read Product Labels at a Cannabis Dispensary in Boston

Cannabis

Are you new to cannabis? If so, you might find the sheer volume of available products can be overwhelming. How do you know what exactly you are purchasing and whether it is a good fit for you? Learning how to read the labels for products at cannabis dispensaries can help you make informed purchases.

The Boston weed scene is open and community-based, so the good news is that if you visit a dispensary, friendly budtenders can help you understand different products. Combined with your own knowledge, you can make safe, informed purchasing decisions about items ranging from flower to edibles. Here’s what you need to know about reading labels on products at dispensaries.

Key Takeaways

• New cannabis enthusiasts should learn how to read a product label so they can stay safe and make informed choices about the products they buy and try.
• The THC to CBD ratio describes the relationship between the psychoactive compounds in cannabis and the therapeutic ones.
• Potency indicates how much of a particular compound is present in the cannabis product.
• Dosage tells consumers how much to use in a single sitting.
• Lab test results show important information, such as potential contaminants and pesticides found in the product.
• Terpenes, which may not be present on all labels, provide deeper insight into the specific therapeutic compounds of the plant from which the product was made.

The Main Components of a Cannabis Product Label

While each cannabis company may choose to stylize its product labels differently, some information should be present on every package. These essential details include the product’s THC and CBD content, potency, and dosage. Being able to read these elements (and more) can tell you everything you need to know about an item.

THC to CBD ratio

This information is one of the first things most consumers look for. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, while CBD can provide physical effects without intoxication. Understanding what blend of these two the product contains will inform you about what the experience might be like. If you are looking for stress relief but do not want to get “high,” then a product high in THC may not be for you.

In general, beginners should consider a CBD-forward or balanced product. These beginner-friendly choices can help them avoid intense psychoactive effects that may be jarring or uncomfortable for new users.

Potency

Another important item on any cannabis label is the potency. This detail, written a percentage, describes how much of a specific compound is present. Higher is not necessarily “better.” For instance, a low-THC product might accomplish your goals, while a high-THC item may cause unexpected side effects. Your tolerance and body chemistry matter. If you are just starting, begin with low-potency options to see how you respond.

Dosage

Based on the potency and composition of the product, the label should include dosage instructions. Dosage indicates how much you should consume at once, as well as how often. Dosage is often written as mg, and some products (e.g., edibles) might be pre-portioned into those doses.

New users should start with a low dose and proceed slowly, paying attention to how their body responds. Begin with a lower dose than the package recommends. Bear in mind that the effects of edibles don’t kick in immediately, so allow for multiple hours before increasing the dose.

Lab test results

Every reputable cannabis product should be tested in a third-party lab. These results are typically made public for consumers, but understanding how to read them is another matter.

While you can dive into all the details if you like, the primary areas to consider in a lab report are the potency, safety, and purity. Labs confirm that the product is as potent as the label claims. They also test for pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants that could decrease the quality of the item or pose health risks.

Terpenes

Not all product labels contain information about terpenes, but those that do can help you make a more informed choice. Terpenes are the specific compounds within that particular cannabis variety or plant that provide the effects the product boasts. For instance, caryophyllene is often used for pain relief because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it common in CBD-forward products.

Get Your Products from a Partner You Can Trust

Are you thinking about trying something new next time you visit a dispensary? Understanding how to read product labels is essential; labels provide transparency and consumer awareness in choosing quality products from trusted cannabis dispensaries, including Pure Oasis. Our budtenders are eager and happy to help you understand what goes into the products we stock on our shelves. Stop by Pure Oasis to find a cannabis product that suits your needs and goals!